Weapons — Shotguns

Overview

Shotguns are the primary close-quarters engagement tools in DayZ, offering unmatched stopping power against both infected and geared players. Mastering these weapons is essential for clearing high-traffic urban areas like Chernogorsk or Electrozavodsk where combat occurs within ten meters.

How It Works

Shotguns fire 12-gauge shells that disperse projectiles across a wide area, dealing significant shock and health damage at short range. Most models in DayZ (BK-18, BK-43, BK-133, and Saiga) utilize different action types—break-action, pump-action, or semi-auto—which dictate your fire rate and reload speed. You load shells into the magazine tube or directly into the barrels, chamber a round if necessary, and use the left mouse button to fire.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate a shotgun in civilian houses, police stations, or hunting stands.
2. Find 12-gauge shells in industrial loot zones or hunting cabins.
3. Drag the shells into your quick-bar for rapid access.
4. Open your inventory and drag the shells onto the weapon icon to fill the internal magazine or barrels.
5. If using the BK-133 or Saiga, press 'R' to cycle the action or ensure a round is chambered.
6. Aim down sights (Right Click) and lead your target slightly if they are moving, then fire.
7. Press 'R' after firing to cycle the next shell if your weapon is not semi-automatic.

Tips

• Always keep a stash of "Buckshot" for infected and "Slug" rounds for players at medium ranges.
• Use the BK-43 "sawed-off" variant to fit the weapon in a jacket or hoodie slot for maximum concealment.
• The Saiga-12K accepts a drum magazine, making it the highest DPS weapon in the shotgun category.
• Shotguns are highly effective at breaking legs; aim for the lower extremities to neutralize mobile threats instantly.
• Always clear your chamber before logging out; if a weapon is jammed, hold 'R' to attempt to clear the malfunction.

Common Mistakes

• Engaging targets at long range; shotguns lose almost all damage effectiveness beyond 50 meters.
• Failing to carry a cleaning kit; shotguns degrade quickly, and a "Worn" or "Damaged" weapon will jam mid-fight.
• Forgetting to re-chamber after reloading; you will experience a "click" instead of a bang if the chamber is empty.
• Ignoring the sound profile; the loud report of a shotgun attracts every infected in a 300-meter radius.

Related Items

• Ssg82
• Winchester70
• Winchester70 Black
• Winchester70 Green
• Policebaton

Related Guides

• Ammunition Types
• Weapon Maintenance
• Close Quarters Combat
• Stealth and Sound Management